‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ RESTAURANT REVITALIZATION FUND APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED BY SBA

IRA AT YOUR SERVICE

Now is the time to prepare your Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) applications. Operators can access the application portal starting Friday at 8:00 a.m. (Central), and SBA will begin accepting applications on Monday, May 3 at 11:00 a.m. (Central). Review our FAQ, check the SBA knowledge base support center, visit the application portal, or call the SBA support hotline at (844) 279-8898 to get ready now. We're proud to be cohosting Restaurant Worker Vaccination Day with Cook County starting Monday, May 3 at various locations in suburban Cook County. Vaccinations are free, regardless of insurance or immigration status. Click here to make an appointment, or visit one of the county's walk-in vaccination sites. The IRA will be meeting virtually with leaders in the Illinois General Assembly for Springfield Lobby Day on Monday, May 10. Sign up now to connect with state officials and advocate for enhanced relief and support for our industry. Contact Matt Quinn with any questions. The Michelin Guide has released its 2021 Bib Gourmand recipients, including 10 new restaurant additions in Chicago. Click here to read the full list from Chicago Tribune. Congratulations to everyone honored!

NEWS YOU CAN USE

FSR - How Immigration and Diversity are Affecting the Future of the Restaurant Industry WBEZ - Chicago Will Have New Rules On Outdoor Masking As It Offers Residents Incentives To Get Vaccinated Wall Street Journal - DoorDash Allows Restaurants to Choose Commissions in Post-Pandemic Future FSR - Tip Credits, Tip Pooling, and Tip Sharing Could Get More Complicated and Risky Food Dive - Food is Gen Z's top spending priority, survey finds Restaurant Business Online - The Restaurant Critic's Job Has Changed, Maybe Forever

PERFECT PAIR

New Toolkits Available from Sysco Foodie Solutions Sysco Corporation recently announced the addition of new toolkits to its Foodie Solutions platform: Restaurants Reopening, Protecting Your Business, and Turning Your Tables. As more restaurants reopen their dining rooms, these are the latest in a series of carefully curated tools to help customers respond quickly to shifting business requirements and trends resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to learn more from Sysco.

COVID-19 RESOURCES

Restaurant Revitalization Fund Resources SBA RRF Hotline Reopening Services and Supplies Vaccine Resources and Locations Recent Webinars on Demand IRA Pro Bono Legal Network Indoor and Outdoor Dining Design Consultations Chicago Restaurant and Bar Regulations Illinois Phase 4 Guidance for Restaurants and Bars

TAKE FIVE

Top Five Ways to Ensure Your Restaurant’s Profitability Now and in the Future, by Dan Bocik, Owner of a tavola and Menu Profit Solution Dan Bocik has over 30 years of experience as a chef/owner and thought leader in the foodservice industry. He founded a tavola in 1995, and infused all of his ingredients of success into his consulting, coaching services and his state-of the art technology, the Menu Profit Solution, to help business owners scale and maximize sustainable profitability and success in food service. Check out Dan's five tips for restaurant profitability during COVID-19 and beyond.

FRONT BURNER

Upcoming Dates to Note Apr. 29 - Serving Up OSHA Compliance: How to Operate Safely in the Pandemic Webinar Apr. 29 - Albany Park Vaccination Event Apr. 30 - Register for RRF Applications with SBA Apr. 30 - Hospitality Worker Food Drive at McCormick Place May 3 - SBA Accepting Restaurant Revitalization Fund Applications May 3 - Cook County Restaurant and Foodservice Worker Vaccination Events May 10 - Springfield Lobby Day May 31 - PPP Application Deadline

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